July 26

St. Anne, Mother of the Blessed Virgin Mary1

White

Double of the 2nd Class

St. Anne, the spouse of Joachim, was the Mother of Our Lady and the grandmother of Our Lord. The devotion to St. Anne has increased very much in the whole Church. She is much venerated as the Patron of Brittany.

Let us all rejoice in the Lord, whilst we keep holy this day in honor of blessed Anne; on whose solemnity the Angels rejoice, and give praise to the Son of God. -- (Ps. 44. 2). My heart hath uttered a good word: I speak of my works to the King. V.: Glory be to the Father . . . -- Let us all rejoice in the Lord . . .

COLLECT.--O God, who didst vouchsafe to bestow upon blessed Anne such grace, that she was found worthy to become the mother of her who brought forth Thine only-begotten Son: mercifully grant, that we who celebrate her festival, may be helped by her intercession with Thee. Through the same our Lord Jesus Christ . . .

EPISTLE ¤ Wisdom: Proverbs 31. 10-31
Lesson from the Book of Wisdom.

[Description of all the necessary duties and virtues of the valiant woman.]

Who shall find a valiant woman? Far and from the uttermost coasts is the price of her. The heart of her husband trusteth in her, and he shall have no need of spoils. She will render him good, and not evil, all the days of her life. She hath sought wool and flax, and hath wrought by the counsel of her hands. She is like the merchant's ship, she bringeth her bread for afar. And she hath risen in the night, and given a prey to her household, and victuals to her maidens. She hath considered a field, and bought it: with the fruit of her hands she hath planted a vineyard. She hath girded her loins with strength, and hath strengthened her arm. She hath tasted and seen that her traffic is good: her lamp shall not be put out in the night. She hath put out her hand to strong things, and her fingers have taken hold of the spindle. She hath opened her hand to the needy, and stretched out her hands to the poor. She shall not fear for her house in the cold of snow: for all her domestics are clothed with double garments. She hath made for herself clothing of tapestry: fine linen, and purple is her clothing. Her husband is honorable in the gates, when he sitteth among the senators of the land. She made fine linen and sold it, and delivered a girdle to the Chanaanite. Strength and beauty are her clothing, and she shall laugh in the latter day. She hath opened her mouth to wisdom, and the law of the clemency is on her tongue. She hath looked well to the paths of her house, and hath not eaten her bread idle. Her children rose up,and called her blessed: her husband, and he praised her. Many daughters have gathered together riches: thou hast surpassed them all. Favor is deceitful, and beauty is vain: the woman that feareth the Lord, she shall be praised. Give her of the fruit of her hands: and let her works praise her in the gates.

GOSPEL ¤ Matthew 13. 44-52
 Continuation of the holy Gospel according to St. Matthew.

[The parables of the hidden treasure, of the pearl of great price and of the net cast into the sea.]

At that time, Jesus spoke to His disciples this parable: The Kingdom of Heaven is like unto a treasure hidden in a field. Which a man having found, hid it, and for joy thereof goeth and selleth all that he hath, and buyeth the field. Again the Kingdom of Heaven is like to a merchant seeking good pearls. Who, when he had found one pearl of great price, went his way, and sold all that he had, and bought it. Again the Kingdom of Heaven is like to a net cast into the sea, and gathering together all kind of fishes. Which, when it was filled, they drew out, and sitting by the shore, they chose out the good into vessels, but they bad they cast forth. So shall it be at the end of the world: the angels shall go out, and shall separate the wicked from among the just, and shall cast them into the furnace of fire: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth. Have ye understood all these things? They say to Him: Yes. He said unto them: Therefore every scribe instructed in the Kingdom of Heaven is like to a man that is a householder, who bringeth forth out of his treasure new things and old.

The daughters of the king are in thine honor, the queen stood on thy right in gilded clothing, surrounded with variety.

SECRET.--Graciously have regard to this sacrifice, we beseech Thee, O Lord: that through the intercession of blessed Anne, who was mother of her who brought forth Thy Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, it may profit us both unto devotion and salvation. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, Thy Son, who liveth and reigneth . . .

It is truly meet and just, right and for our salvation, that we should at all times, and in all places, give thanks unto Thee, O holy Lord, Father almighty, everlasting God, through Christ our Lord. Through whom the Angels praise Thy Majesty, the Dominations worship it, the Powers stand in awe. The heavens and the heavenly hosts together with the blessed Seraphim in triumphant chorus unite to celebrate it. Together with them, we entreat Thee, that Thou mayest bid our voices also to be admitted, while we say in lowly praise:

Grace is poured abroad in thy lips: therefore hath God blessed thee for ever, and for ages of ages.

POSTCOMMUNION.--We who have been nourished by these heavenly Sacraments, beseech Thee, O Lord our God: that, through the intercession of blessed Anne, whom Thou didst will to be the mother of her who brought forth Thy Son, we may be found worthy to attain to eternal salvation. Through the same our Lord Jesus Christ, Thy Son, who liveth and reigneth . . .

1 Novena held in honor of St. Anne at whatever time of the year: Indulgence of 7 years, each day. -- Plenary, after completion of the entire Novena; the usual conditions are required. -- P.P.O. n. 455.